Newcastle United's winless start to the new Premier League season extended to six matches this evening courtesy of a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The only goal of the game came in the 15th minute as Peter Crouch nodded a Victor Moses cross into the far corner, while Marko Arnautovic and Jack Colback struck the woodwork for either side in the second half.

Here, Sports Mole rates and slates the players involved in a match that could have major implications for Magpies boss Alan Pardew.

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STOKE

Goal

Asmir Begovic: Only had one shot on target to face all game as he was well protected by those in front of him. Dealt with that shot well, though, getting down to tip a Janmaat effort wide. (7/10)

Defence

Phil Bardsley: Contributed to a solid defensive performance from the hosts as they gave Newcastle nothing in the final third. (7/10)

Ryan Shawcross: Made one error late on that almost gifted Newcastle a share of the spoils, but other than that was dominant at the back. Gave Riviere and Cisse nothing to feed off. (7/10)

Marc Wilson: Also contributed to the team's sturdy defence that gave Newcastle no joy whatsoever. (7/10)

Marc Muniesa: Couldn't quite match his midweek heroics but did supply a couple of teasing deliveries as well as fulfilling his defensive duties. (7/10)

Midfield

Steven N'Zonzi: Another key component of a good team defensive performance, while also carrying the ball out from midfield on a few occasions. Good game all round. (7/10)

Glenn Whelan: Part of a Stoke midfield that comfortably won the battle against Newcastle's. Allowed the likes of Cabella and Gouffran no room to perform. (7/10)

Mame Biram Diouf: Made a bright start to the match but was forced off after just 23 minutes with a hamstring injury. (6/10)

Charlie Adam: Typically combative display in the middle of the park. Took his fair share of knocks before making way just past the hour. (7/10)

Victor Moses: The most dangerous player on the park. Caused Newcastle plenty of problems with his pace on the break and provided the cross that led to the goal. (8/10)

Attack

Peter Crouch: Provided a target all game for Stoke to find. Took his goal really well and was dominant in the air throughout. Linked up well with those around him. (7/10)

Substitutes

Marko Arnautovic: Showed glimpses of his quality having replaced Diouf in the 23rd minute. Hit the post with a decent strike at the start of the second half, and had a couple of other dangerous moments. (7/10)

Stephen Ireland: Came on with half an hour to go and did a similar job to that of the man he replaced, Charlie Adam. Made a couple of good breaks forward, but didn't have a huge impact on the course of the match. (6/10)

Oussama Assaidi: Replaced Moses with less than 10 minutes to go and didn't really have a chance to show what he can do. (6/10)

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NEWCASTLE

Goal

Tim Krul: Could do nothing about the goal but did make a fine save to deny Moses from close range in the second half following a defensive mix-up. (7/10)

Defence

Daryl Janmaat: Had his side's only shot on target with a decent effort, but was suspect defensively and did not offer a lot going forward either. (5/10)

Mike Williamson: Made a couple of vital interceptions to keep the score down to one, but was also part of a Newcastle defence that struggled against the counter-attack at times. (6/10)

Fabricio Coloccini: Was dominated in the air by Crouch for the goal and struggled to deal with him all night. Not exactly a captain's performance from the Argentine. (5/10)

Paul Dummett: Blocked one shot from Arnautovic just in front of his keeper and was always a willing runner forward, but failed to have a hugely positive impact on the match. (6/10)

Midfield

Cheick Tiote: As ever, was not shy of throwing himself into challenges, but gave the ball away on a number of occasions and was part of a midfield that was caught out on the break time after time. (5/10)

Jack Colback: Like Tiote, struggled to shackle Stoke's midfield throughout, and also missed a sitter late on that would have rescued a point for his side. (5/10)

Moussa Sissoko: Gave the ball away in the build-up to the goal and struggled to make a difference going forward throughout. Was more involved than many of his teammates, but simply couldn't find a way through. (5/10)

Remy Cabella: Anonymous for large spells. Had little to no impact on the match and was eventually withdrawn with just over 15 minutes remaining. (5/10)

Yoann Gouffran: Fortunate not to give away a penalty in the first half and, like those around him, could not make the desired difference in the final third. (5/10)

Attack

Emmanuel Riviere: Offered his side nothing up front and was taken off at half time as a result. A night to forget for the Frenchman. (5/10)

Substitutes

Papiss Cisse: Introduced at half time but did not provide any more threat than Riviere had. Lack of movement and not on the same page as many of his teammates. (5/10)

Gabriel Obertan: Newcastle's most dangerous attacker during his 20-minute cameo. Made a couple of good breaks down the right and sent in a few dangerous cross, including the one that led to Colback's chance. (7/10)

Sammy Ameobi: Came on for the final 15 minutes and lost the ball on numerous occasions. Could not come up with anything to change the course of the game. (5/10)